2017 NBA Draft: Could we see the first overall pick be a different UCLA Bruin
In the 2017 NBA Draft, there has been plenty of topics of who the Boston Celtics will select.
There isn’t one person who has stood out amongst the rest as the best player in the 2017 NBA Draft. Multiple UCLA Bruin players declared for the NBA draft.
Lonzo Ball is the hot topic of all rumors and news. However, what if I told you there is another Bruin who could be a hot topic. Let me just say he could end up being drafted as the first overall pick. It isn’t because he is the best athlete, it’s what the Celtics need at the moment.
This pick would surprise all of us. Boston is apparently open to trading their pick with the move even being backed by Celtics legend Paul Pierce. They have even thought about drafting Markelle Fultz. Yet, who they need to draft fits their current needs and will be the surprise of the entire 2017 NBA Draft.
Also, the player they need to draft played his college ball at UCLA. However, it isn’t Lonzo Ball; that honor goes to an entirely different player.
Could the Celtics pass on taking Markelle Fultz at No. 1 in the #NBADraft? https://t.co/p3wTok1VWe pic.twitter.com/f7Lt2YhzbI
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) June 7, 2017
T.J. Leaf is the surprise player I can see having the possibility of going number one overall in the draft. This makes sense as he is the type of player they need for their future.
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Leaf would be a good sixth man of the year candidate if lands in Boston. He has everything the Celtics need and want in a player. Also, he is a big man they will need with Kelly Olynyk testing the free agency waters.
Leaf would help the Celtics in the playoffs especially Horford. If they were to play the Cavaliers again Horford would need rest then another physical tall body in Leaf would defend Thompson and maintain the game flow for Boston. Also as a former UCLA Bruin, he knows that when everyone does their job a victory tastes much sweeter.
Leaf averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds showing his ability to post a double-double. Additionally, he is a front court player with outstanding passing skills and shooting ability.
T.J. Leaf has everything Boston needs of their team. He could be the answer to help the make the Conference Finals.
Will Boston draft Leaf with the #1 overall pick in the draft? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.